In the first installment of our “Exploring the Corridors” series, we looked at two pieces of this future regional transit network, Commuter Rail and East Regional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Now, we’re continuing the journey by exploring the remaining two proposed corridors: Airport Light Rail and West Regional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). While each corridor serves a different part of the region and a different type of trip, together they demonstrate an important part of ONE Transit’s vision: creating a connected system in response to growth in central Oklahoma.
Airport Light Rail: Creating a Direct Connection to the Airport
Imagine being able to travel to OKC Will Rogers International Airport without needing to drive, park or arrange a ride. ONE Transit’s proposed Airport Light Rail would make that possible. The approximately 10-mile Light Rail line would connect the Santa Fe Intermodal Station in Downtown Oklahoma City directly with the airport, traveling along Reno Avenue and Meridian Avenue. With peak-direction capacity at a maximum of 1,400 passengers per hours and average speeds up to 50 miles per hour, this service would provide fast, reliable transit to people in the region.
Beyond providing a direct connection between Downtown Oklahoma City and the airport, Airport Light Rail would also connect travelers from across the region. At the Santa Fe Intermodal Station, riders arriving on ONE Transit’s proposed Commuter Rail corridor could transfer to Airport Light Rail with ease. This would allow future riders from member cities like Norman and Edmond to travel to the airport using the regional transit system instead of relying on a car for the entire trip.
West Regional BRT: Connecting a Growing Part of the Region
As Central Oklahoma continues to grow, west Oklahoma City is experiencing significant growth of its own. ONE Transit’s proposed West Regional Bus Rapid Transit is designed to provide fast, frequent transit service connecting this growing area with the heart of Oklahoma City. The approximately 14.5-mile corridor would connect Downtown Oklahoma City with west Oklahoma City, traveling along 10th Street, MacArthur Boulevard, Reno Avenue, Council Road and 15th Street. Riders would have a connection to the Santa Fe Intermodal Station, helping west-side residents and workers connect to other transit options.
BRT combines the flexibility of bus service with features intended to make trips faster and more reliable. For the proposed West Regional BRT system, we’re anticipating buses arriving every 12 to 15 minutes during peak service hours, with capacity for approximately 700 to 1,300 passengers per hour in the peak direction. This would also include strategically located stops as well as a Park-and-Ride station.
Why These Transit Options Matter for Central Oklahoma
Airport Light Rail and West Regional BRT serve different travel needs, but their real potential becomes clear when viewed as parts of one connected regional system. The Santa Fe Intermodal Station would play an important role in those connections. Airport Light Rail would link the station with OKC Will Rogers International Airport, while West Regional BRT would connect it with west Oklahoma City. Alongside ONE Transit’s other proposed high-capacity corridors, these services would help create a network where riders can transfer between routes and reach more of the region.
More transportation choices will help Central Oklahoma prepare for continued growth. As more people live, work, and visit the region, providing safe, reliable and future-forward public transit options can help improve regional connectivity and expand access to economic opportunity. That mission is at the heart of ONE Transit.
Help Start the Conversation About Central Oklahoma’s Transit Future
Understanding what a future regional transit system could mean for Central Oklahoma starts with conversation. If your neighborhood association, civic organization, business, or community group wants to learn more about ONE Transit, the proposed corridors, or the benefits of regional public transportation, request a ONE Transit speaker for your next meeting or event. We’ll help educate your group, answer questions, and provide information about the plans taking shape for the region.